The loss of tooth enamel is said to be the precursor to the loss of a tooth and the advent of gum disease. Tooth enamel is a semi-translucent crystalline calcium phosphate, which is approximately 90% hydroxylapatite mineral. The enamel, the dentin, the cementum, dental pulp which is found in the root of the tooth, makes up the main four tissues inside the tooth.
The enamel of our teeth holds an important role for the retention of our teeth, in the enabling of the breakdown of foods for digestion. It also gives an aesthetic and pleasing addition to our features when we smile. In fact, teeth are the essential tools which help to maintaining the normal structure of your face and the overall health of the human body.
Restorative dentistry ensures that the proper functions of the mouth and teeth can be reproduced in the advent of a loss tooth, due to tooth trauma or excavation. The importance of the tooth is in how it is attached to the jaw bone and holds the jaws in alignment. With the loss of the tooth also comes the loss of bone structure and shifting of the facial shape.
This loss of bone and facial structures can happen when the existing teeth shift out of alignment because of a missing tooth or missing teeth. This problem is accelerated when an individual makes the decision to not replace a missing tooth and the bone structure of the jaw begins to deteriorate. Further loss of teeth is inevitable, mainly because of the existing teeth’s ability to move and loosen further, and succumbing to further gum disease.
As a missing tooth is neglected to be replace, via dental implants or artificial veneers or porcelains, the lower and upper bones of the jaws begin to shrink in size. The gums will recede and the space between the individual’s nose and chin will decrease. This is a condition known as “facial collapse,” and gives the cheeks and facial features a sunken aged look that adds years to the appearance.
The decision of seeing a dental health practitioner, who specializes in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, will make it possible to restore the structural integrity of the face and mouth. This decision will also restore function, aid in digestion, and bring back the aesthetic pleasing features of an individual’s smile. The promise of a bright smile and being able to eat favorite foods again should be more than enough encouragement towards making the decision of electing to receive restorative dentistry.
Tooth loss can result from genetic conditions, as in Down syndrome, or other conditions which can affect the facial and jaw structures. This is when an oral maxillofacial surgeon can be called upon to use dental reconstructive surgery and dental implants, to properly restore function of the teeth.
The discouraging facts about a permanent tooth loss, called edentulism, is that the quality of life is decreased significantly, self-esteem and self-worth is decreased, and the daily function of eating and talking is decreased. Tooth loss can be the result of tooth trauma or periodontitis. Periodontal disease can affect the whole mouth and the body as a whole.
